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SINGAPORE: Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas is still scheduled to sail on Thursday (December 10), the company said Wednesday.
Royal Caribbean said it was implementing “improved sanitation” aboard the Quantum of the Seas after a passenger tested positive for COVID-19 while on a cruise to nowhere.
“At this time, there are no changes to your cruise. However, we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way,” he said in a customer notification alert.
An update is expected by 6 p.m. Wednesday on whether there will be further changes to the scheduled trip on Thursday, Royal Caribbean said.
READ: 12 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore, all imported
The company added that in view of the COVID-19 case, passengers who no longer wanted to navigate or who wanted to reschedule their trip could do so.
“We are extending the deadline for you to enroll in our Cruise with Confidence program to December 10, 2020,” said Royal Caribbean.
“Therefore, if you decide not to sail with us, you can cancel for a future cruise credit of 100% of your paid cruise fare.”
To avoid waiting on the phone, Royal Caribbean said customers can submit an online form here by Dec. 10. Once the request is received, the reservation will be automatically canceled and the credit will be issued within 30 days, the company added.
READ: Royal Caribbean cruise passenger tests positive for COVID-19, ship returns to Singapore
A Singaporean who booked Thursday’s cruise said he plans to move on.
The director of an advertising company, who wanted to be known as Mr. Bhatt, said that he and his family plan to maintain a safe distance and stay away from crowds during the cruise.
“We are confident that the Singaporean government will take prudent steps to ensure our safety and, whenever recommended, we will take the cruise tomorrow,” the 40-year-old said.
READ: ‘I will definitely go again’: Some Royal Caribbean passengers say they have no regrets going on a cruise that was interrupted by the COVID-19 case
Royal Caribbean International Quantum of the Seas at the Marina Bay Cruise Center, December 9, 2020 (Photo: Jeremy Long)
Earlier on Wednesday, it emerged that a passenger on the cruise ship that departed Monday tested positive for COVID-19. The passenger was immediately quarantined under medical supervision.
The ship returned to Singapore on Wednesday morning.
READ: Comment: A vaccine is on the horizon. But most Singaporeans are adopting a wait-and-see attitude
“Once all guests (disembark) from the ship, we will perform improved sanitation at both the cruise terminal and the ship using the new procedures we have put in place to ensure that everything is ready for navigation,” said Royal Caribbean.
“Our new disinfection protocols compete with those of the best hospitals, using disinfectants and techniques approved by local authorities, including electrostatic nebulization, to clean frequently and consistently.”
Quantum of the Seas began three- and four-night cruises from December 1 as part of a pilot plan that allows roundtrip trips without ports of call.
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In October, the Singapore Tourism Board announced that two cruise lines, Genting and Royal Caribbean, will resume cruising at a maximum capacity of 50 percent.
Cruise ships must adhere to safe management measures, such as social distancing and the use of masks.
Periodic onboard inspections will also be conducted to ensure compliance.
Cruise lines that fail to comply will be subject to penalties, including fines, travel suspension, and revocation of their CruiseSafe certification, which is required for all cruise lines departing from Singapore.
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